Ikeke TKOs Linton in 5th!

Kingsley Ikeke came back to Tacoma, Washington to fight local hero Emmett Linton in the 10 round main event of the sold out Emerald Queen Casino’s Battle at the Boat 72. It was Linton’s first fight in nearly three years. Linton took command of the fight in the early rounds with steady jabs and pressure. At the end of the 2nd round Linton sustained a cut over the right eye. This continued to be a problem for the rest of the fight as Linton had trouble seeing from that point forward.

Ikeke came on strong and knocked Linton down with a flurry of punches to end the fight at 2:34 of the 5th. Linton was able to get back to his feet but was unsteady and referee Paul Fields called the fight over. The result was almost identical to Ikeke’s 2003 win over Seattle’s Kenny Ellis at Battle at the Boat 22. Ellis suffered a second round cut and the fight was stopped in the 6th round.

“This fight was so reminiscent of the Ikeke-Ellis fight. My hats off to Kingsley”, said promoter Brian Halquist. “Ikeke came to fight and was in great shape. The fight was close and the crowed was really into it. Emmett Linton also came to fight. Emmett has nothing to be disappointed about. It was a hell of a fight.”

Linton announced his retirement at the end of the fight.

The sell out crowed of over 2,000 was treated to an exciting night of fights. The under card fight results are: